FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – A naval court in Greece has charged 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard in connection with the deadliest migrant boat disaster in the Mediterranean in a decade.
Up to 650 people were feared to have drowned when the overcrowded Adriana fishing vessel sank near Pylos, off the Greek coast, in the early hours of June 14, 2023. Survivors alleged that Greek coastguards caused the boat to capsize in a failed attempt to tow it and later silenced witnesses.
Greek authorities have consistently denied the claims. However, the Deputy Prosecutor of the Piraeus Naval Court ruled that the 17 officers should face criminal charges, including causing a shipwreck and failing to provide assistance.
The case marks the first time Greek coast guard personnel have been formally charged in connection with the tragedy.